Adopt Resolution #14-09-182 to Hire a Streets Maintenance Worker

The purpose of this case is to request authorization to hire a fulltime Streets Maintenance Worker.

This position replaces the Heavy Equipment Operator  (HEO) position currently held by Mr. Mick Stenquist.  After over 37 years of service with the City,  Mr. Stenquist announced his retirement on July 10, 2014; his last day of employment will be September 30, 2014. 

Therefore, in accordance with City policy and the strategic plan, an internal recruitment was conducted, there were three internal applicants. Internal interviews were conducted which lead to an external recruitment where both  internal and external candidates were considered collectively.  The external recruitment resulted in 51 applicants, 15 candidates were selected for first interviews, followed by 4 second interviews.

The City extended a contingent job offer to Mr. Shane Turner. This offer is contingent upon City Council approval, as well as successfully passing the city's background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug screen and physical exam. Mr. Turner has successfully passed all of the requirements and is now recommended for approval to the City Council.

The Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)  position will be eliminated from future budgets.  There is no longer a business reason to retain the HEO position; current Public Works Maintenance Workers are trained and skilled in heavy equipment operation.  

The Streets Maintenance Worker  position is responsible for constructing and maintaining streets, parking lots and related property; performing snow related activities; performing general maintenance activities; performing general labor; performing vehicle and motorized equipment maintenance; performing and assisting with landscape, grounds care, and forestry/naturalist activities; providing assistance with preparation of community events; performing mechanical building maintenance and repair; as well as a wide range of other tasks as required.

Option #1: To hire a fulltime Streets Maintenance Worker. Staff recommends hiring  this position to to help fulfill the public service needs of the City and to meet the goals of the strategic plan as it relates to this position.    This is not an additional FTE, but rather a substitute for the HEO, which is a cost savings.   Pros to this option include the ability to meet the above mentioned public service needs.   Cons to this option include fixed personnel costs. 

Option #2:  Not to hire a fulltime Streets Maintenance Worker. Staff does not recommend this option.  Pros to this option include saved fixed personnel costs.   Cons to this option include repercussions such as delays in the above listed services.   This position is vital to achieving the City’s goals and mission of providing an outstanding level of service to the public.

The 2014 funding for this position is well within the 2014 budget. The 2015 funding required for this position is approximately $62,559 and has been accounted for in the preliminary 2015 budget. 

Authorize staff to move ahead with option #1 above to hire Mr. Shane Turner as a fulltime Streets Maintenance Worker, effective on or near September 24, 2014, at $19.72 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.

Motion to adopt resolution #14-09-182, to hire Mr. Shane Turner as a fulltime Streets Maintenance Worker, effective on or near September 24, 2014, at $19.72 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.